b-1 business
visit visa

To be eligible for a B-1 Business Visit visa, you must be able to demonstrate the following:

• The purpose of your trip is to enter the United States for business of a legitimate nature.
• You plan to remain for a specific limited period of time.
• You have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the trip and your stay in the United States.
• You have a residence outside the United States that you have no intention of abandoning, as well as other binding ties that will ensure your return abroad at the end of the visit.
• You are otherwise admissible to the United States.

The B-1 visa fee is currently $185 for most applicants. Please note that it is important to check the US Department of State website or with the US Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying for the most current fee information. Fees may change at the discretion of the authorities.

Nonimmigrant visas are processed at the US Embassy or the Consulate General.

If you are eligible to apply for a visa by courier, you should submit your application at the US Embassy or consulate in your country.

The application process for a B-1 Business Visit visa is carried out in the following steps:

• Step 1:  Complete the online DS-160 and print the confirmation page for each person applying for a visa, regardless of age.
• Step 2: Go to https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb to pay the MRV application fee and schedule an interview or obtain information on applying for the visa by courier.  Click on “Apply” if you are a first-time user or “Continue” if you already have an account.

After creating your account, you will need to follow the process and guidance for each person applying for a visa.

Interviews are by appointment only.  You are required to bring your Appointment Confirmation letter with you. You can expect to be at the Embassy or Consulate for approximately 2 to 3 hours.

The interview with a consular officer is the last step in the process and typically lasts just a few minutes. Prior to the interview, staff will collect, data-enter and review your application. A set of your fingerprints will be electronically scanned.

If a visa application is approved during a visa interview, the average processing time is 3-5 working days. At least a further 2-3 working days should be allowed for delivery.

If you are eligible for the ‘Interview Waiver Program’ and submit your application by courier without attending an interview, visa processing takes approximately 21 working days from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy. A further 2-3 working days should be allowed for the return of your passport.

Initial Period of Stay: 1 to 6 months (6 months is the maximum).

Extension of Stay: Up to 6 months; maximum total amount of time permitted in B-1 status on any one trip is generally 1 year.

At the port of entry, an immigration official must authorise your admission to the United States, and, if you are eligible for admission, you may be admitted initially for the period necessary to carry out your business activities, up to a maximum period of 1 year.

Activities allowed with a B-1 Business Visit visa include:

• Attending business meetings and conferences.
• Negotiating contracts.
• Consulting with business associates.
• Participating in professional conventions and conferences.
• Settling estates.

Additionally, non-remunerative activities such as lecturing and engaging in independent research may also be allowed.

B-1 visas do not generally allow for gainful employment or productive activity such as operating a business or consultancy work.

note:

This page is intended for informational purposes only. Immigration rules are subject to change and may vary based on your individual circumstances. For up-to-date advice and guidance, please contact Smith Stone Walters.